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If you weren’t at the Allston DIY Fest this past weekend you missed out on a pretty epic movement. I don’t have an official count of the number of people in attendance but if I had to estimate I’d say there was well over 300 people who enjoyed the festivities. From Jamaica Plain to Somerville, residents from the greater Boston metro area came to check out the festival. There was food, entertainment, art, hoola hooping, skill sharing, and free stuff! Who could ask for more on a Saturday afternoon. The day began with some rain which cleared out soon enough. The bike powered sound stage was emitting the sounds of various artists including Melodeego and Brunt of It while up at the Acoustic Hill Hang Sonny Jim, The Hogstompers, and Mornin’ Old Sport played some melodious melodies. Delicious food was provided and served by the lovely volunteers of Food Not Bombs. Commonwheels Bike Coop facilitated a fix-a-flat workshop while my friend learned how to make sauerkraut and others took part in a First Aid workshop and a radical self defense training. Some local, well known organizations also showed their support for community building and sharing knowledge. The free market was bountifully free and the art was a plenty. If you haven’t figured it out already, you should probably be prepared for next year’s Allston DIY Fest.

Before you check out a handful of the photos I took this weekend, I have to say that I couldn’t be any more proud of the people that dedicated their time and energy to put together such a successful event on no budget. As a person employed in the non-profit sector I know for a fact that it takes share creativity, networking, and dedication to have an amazing event such as this one. Also, a shout out is due to the multitude of people who came out to show their support for anti-oppressive, community building, educating, and sharing. Without the attendees the event wouldn’t have been successful and the message wouldn’t have been as powerful.

Like this:

You can’t tell me that the flyer above doesn’t grab your attention. If you need something free and cheap to do this weekend? Head over to the Allston DIY Fest at Ringer Park. Two words – Free Everything. You can take your time rolling out of bed since the festival is this Saturday, July 23rd, from 10am to 6pm. But don’t wait too long, you’ll miss all of the good stuff! Bring your friends and family because this event is open to everyone of all ages. It must be noted that while everyone is welcome, “racism, sexism, agism, classism, sizeism, ableism, transphobia and homophobia are uncool and unwelcome!!!” Basically, this is a safe space that is free of all types of oppression so everyone can have a great time together!

I’m sure I don’t really need to do any convincing past that but I might as well go ahead and share a few reasons why.

#1. Volunteer Run. Organized by a ton of pretty bad ass people who volunteer their time to sharing knowledge and bringing people together. One of the organizers is my roommate and I’ve seen some of the background time and dedication that it takes to organize an event like this together. Shout out to her and everyone else that do awesome things like this for no monetary compensation.

#2. Knowledge Sharing. Education is already too expensive. Why pay for it when you can can get it for free? There will be workshops and skill shares to attend. From fixing a flat to feminism in the media to home brewing. You’ll be able to walk away with newfound knowledge.

#3. Free Market. Yes, I just used to amazing words. I know I’m not the only one who suffers from buyers guilt after I walk out of the store. There is going to be tons of items up for dibs at the festival. Bring an eco-friendly tote bag to take something home in!

#4. Music and other Artists. About 12 different local bands will be playing through a bike generated sound system to get you moving. About 8 acoustic bands will also be entertaining you with their melodious melodies. You can even bring your instrument to jam along with new peeps.

#5. Local Organizations. Get connected with your local area organization’s that do great work. Stop by to see what they’re up to. Use this opportunity to sign up to volunteer or just learn about the cool things the local organizations are up to.